What Could Have Been

Monday March 17, 2008 06:32 AM

This Monday morning infrared satellite image of the Northwest Atlantic shows an impressive storm center well southeast of Novia Scotia. Notice the well developed comma-head with the storm, indicative of a very mature and powerful system.

This is the same weather system that was the focus of weather forecasts throughout last week - as it had the potential to be a major player in the weather for Cape Cod. However, the storm center ultimately took a track far enough to the south and east to limit its impacts on the region to nothing more than some clouds, gusty winds and light rain and snow showers.

The combination of the large storm to our east and high pressure to our west is producing a rather strong pressure gradient across New England, resulting in gusty north winds. With the system continuing to spin in place for the next 24 hours, we will see active north winds through Monday night - making a chilly air mass feel even colder. However, later Tuesday the system will finally head far enough to the east to allow winds to relax, making for a more pleasant day around the region. Unfortunately, the quieter weather won't last long as we will already be turning our attention to the west, where a new storm will be approaching the region.